Completed : Bandai HGUC 1/144 RGM-79D GM Cold District Type

Kit Info
1/144 Bandai HGUC 038
Media: Styrene
Markings: Random

The Subject
The introduction of the MS-09 Dom by the Zeon forces proved to the Federation that while the RGM-79 GM was a capable MS, it needed to field a more maneuverable and better-performing MS to match up with the Dom. Late in the War, the RGM-79D was introduced. The RGM-79D has increased power and maneuverability and is modified for extreme weather conditions with a specialization on cold climate.

The Kit
I have taken a look at the kit here.

The Build
It’s a Bandai snapfit kit. Nothing else really needas to be said. Although it has to be said that because of its age, the seamlines are mostly not hidden and will have to be addressed.

I did my usual basic modifications to the kit:

• extended the neck
• lengthened the lower arms
• lengthened the front and side skirts
• lengthened the thighs
• lengthened the lower legs
• replaced the fists with ones from Bandai Builder Parts

I lengthened the parts by between 1mm to 1.5mm. The result is a more lithe looking mobile suit.

So nothing challenging but of note was how loose the legs were on my kit. I’ve had this snapfitted and kept in storage for many years and I’m wondering if that was the cause of the loose limbs.

Colors & Markings
I have always liked the default color scheme of the RGM-79D so I decided to go with the same scheme with just some added digital camo for the gray areas and the shield. The digital camo comes from a precut masking tape sheet from HiQ Parts.

Some of the details were picked out with a handpainting like the chin and chest vents.

Finishing
As usual, I didn’t go overboard with the decals with it being quite low-viz this time with mostly gray markings. I did however make sure to choose an appropriate ‘shield art’ from my collection of aftermarket decals.

I then added chipping using a sponge before giving everything a coat of Flory Models Dark Dirt Wash. I didn’t go as hard on weathering this time round so I only did minor fading and streaking. With that done I have another GM in my slowly growing collection of Federation grunt mobile suits.

Build Log
> Construction & Finishing

Build 8 of 2022